Location:
International Food Policy Research Institute
2033 K Street, NW, Washington, DC
Fourth Floor Conference Facility
Thursday, September 12, 2002
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
R.S.V.P.

Abstract
"Rural infrastructure is necessary for poverty-reducing growth. This policy seminar will focus on possible ways by which investments in rural infrastructure can be financed. Agricultural taxation is difficult in developing countries, but has to be attempted. Calculations of per hectare rates of levy in India for a land-based agricultural tax that varies by crop, and can be adjusted to crop yield variations across districts, will be presented and discussed for a number of Indian states.

Debt-financing is a possible avenue for funding expenditure on rural infrastructure. Results from the cross-state pattern of accessing of one such scheme in operation in India since 1995, will be presented and discussed.

Experience from India shows that even a debt-financing approach to funding rural infrastructure is sustainable only if eventual fiscal recovery is possible from the beneficiary sector. The presentation will emphasize that the need for retaining a policy focus on the agricultural taxation issue is therefore paramount."

Please RSVP to 202-862-8107 or Email: S.Hill-Lee@cgiar.org.